Brendan Rodgers: 'Reading? I'm concentrating fully on Watford job'

Brendan Rodgers has distanced himself from speculation linking him with the vacant manager’s job at Reading - insisting he is “concentrating fully” on Watford.

Rodgers is favourite to replace Steve Coppell at the Madejski Stadium and bookmakers had the Northern Irishman at 1/3 on yesterday.

Victor Chandler have today lengthened the figure slightly to 1/2 following Reading’s press conference this morning but bookies still expect Rodgers to be the next man to take charge of his adopted
home-town club.

However, Rodgers said: “There is always going to be speculation as a manager and a coach. You are always honoured if you are linked with big jobs because it means you and your team are doing well.

“But in this moment, my concentration is fully on Watford and looking forward to next year.”

Watford’s chairman Jimmy Russo and chief executive Julian Winter have both released statements saying they expect Rodgers to stay.

Yesterday, Winter said: “We understand the fact that Brendan will be linked to Reading, it’s natural considering his history with the club and town.

“However, it is purely speculation. We have today [Wednesday] been in meetings planning for the forthcoming season and that has to be where our focus is as we build towards next year at Watford.”

Victor Chandler reported that Glenn Hoddle and Exeter boss Paul Tisdale have been popular with punters today, whereas interest in Rodgers has dropped.

Spokesman Neal Wilkins said: “We are still odds on about Rodgers taking over, but after the Reading press conference we are not so sure about whether he is such a perceived certainty.

“There was a significant run of money for him yesterday from some quite informed people and even when we were a very short price there were people wanting to back him. That said he’s not been
popular today.”

Does Brendan Rodgers' comments put you Watford fans at ease? Or do you believe he will become Reading boss? Comment.

For the full story with quotes from Brendan Rodgers, Jimmy Russo and Victor Chandler’s Neal Wilkins, buy tomorrow’s Watford Observer.

Comments

WFC4ever
7:06pm Thu 14 May 09

I hope he is true to his word then....

I hope he is true to his word then....WFC4ever

I hope he is true to his word then....

Score: 0

WFC4ever
8:51pm Thu 14 May 09

The only slight worry would be if an attractive offer was made (which the board would have to accept) because Rodgers doesn't say "no-way am I going" but I feel this suggests Brendan won't quit in order to join Reading probably out of loyalty to us and his reputation rather than simply thanks for the interest but I'm here to stay.

The only slight worry would be if an attractive offer was made (which the board would have to accept) because Rodgers doesn't say "no-way am I going" but I feel this suggests Brendan won't quit in order to join Reading probably out of loyalty to us and his reputation rather than simply thanks for the interest but I'm here to stay.WFC4ever

The only slight worry would be if an attractive offer was made (which the board would have to accept) because Rodgers doesn't say "no-way am I going" but I feel this suggests Brendan won't quit in order to join Reading probably out of loyalty to us and his reputation rather than simply thanks for the interest but I'm here to stay.

Score: 0

pstannard4
9:32pm Thu 14 May 09

Thank you Brendan. I'm glad that you are fully committed to this very passionate Watford Football club.

Thank you Brendan. I'm glad that you are fully committed to this very passionate Watford Football club. pstannard4

Thank you Brendan. I'm glad that you are fully committed to this very passionate Watford Football club.

Score: 0

cliff46
9:44pm Thu 14 May 09

Brendon would be better off waiting until Jose comes back to England in the next year or two.

Brendon would be better off waiting until Jose comes back to England in the next year or two. cliff46

Brendon would be better off waiting until Jose comes back to England in the next year or two.

Score: 0

pfwhornets
12:38am Fri 15 May 09

He'll stay with us.

He knows that if he goes to Reading then automatic promotion would be demanded by their fans. Anything less than that, even play-offs would be failure.

His CV is 6 months old and it says that he has pushed a club from 20th to 13th in the championship.

I think he is looking to test himself with the challenge of next season with us.

End of.

He'll stay with us.
He knows that if he goes to Reading then automatic promotion would be demanded by their fans. Anything less than that, even play-offs would be failure.
His CV is 6 months old and it says that he has pushed a club from 20th to 13th in the championship.
I think he is looking to test himself with the challenge of next season with us.
End of.pfwhornets

He'll stay with us.

He knows that if he goes to Reading then automatic promotion would be demanded by their fans. Anything less than that, even play-offs would be failure.

His CV is 6 months old and it says that he has pushed a club from 20th to 13th in the championship.

I think he is looking to test himself with the challenge of next season with us.

End of.

Score: 0

herts hornet
8:30am Fri 15 May 09

IT'S easy Brendan you only need to say ,end the speculation now i am going nowhere ! BUT have not read this anywhere ,most papers this morning quote you saying it is an honour to be linked with such a big club and job ! nowhere does it say BUT i am staying at watford !
and Frank smith that photo an caption does not fill me with hope he looks well happy not LOL !

IT'S easy Brendan you only need to say ,end the speculation now i am going nowhere ! BUT have not read this anywhere ,most papers this morning quote you saying it is an honour to be linked with such a big club and job ! nowhere does it say BUT i am staying at watford !
and Frank smith that photo an caption does not fill me with hope he looks well happy not LOL ! herts hornet

IT'S easy Brendan you only need to say ,end the speculation now i am going nowhere ! BUT have not read this anywhere ,most papers this morning quote you saying it is an honour to be linked with such a big club and job ! nowhere does it say BUT i am staying at watford !
and Frank smith that photo an caption does not fill me with hope he looks well happy not LOL !

Score: 0

Mo Tulon
9:13am Fri 15 May 09

BR clearly has no idea what he is doing.I think BR should go to Reading.
I want Denis Wise to be made manager.
Quality manager for a quality team.

BR clearly has no idea what he is doing.I think BR should go to Reading.
I want Denis Wise to be made manager.
Quality manager for a quality team.Mo Tulon

BR clearly has no idea what he is doing.I think BR should go to Reading.
I want Denis Wise to be made manager.
Quality manager for a quality team.

Score: 0

enlightened one
2:26pm Fri 15 May 09

Dear oh dear.

Dear oh dear.enlightened one

Dear oh dear.

Score: 0

WFC4ever
3:37pm Fri 15 May 09

enlightened one wrote…

Dear oh dear.

I wouldn't want Wise...

He'd probably tell us to foul and cheat then moan and make excuses after the match.

[quote][p][bold]enlightened one[/bold] wrote:
Dear oh dear.[/p][/quote]I wouldn't want Wise...
He'd probably tell us to foul and cheat then moan and make excuses after the match.WFC4ever

enlightened one wrote…

Dear oh dear.

I wouldn't want Wise...

He'd probably tell us to foul and cheat then moan and make excuses after the match.

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here